Expedite FIC report inquiries, investigative agencies told

LAW enforcement agencies should update the nation on how far they have gone in investigating the issues raised in the Financial Intelligent Centre (FIC) report like money laundering, Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers (UG) has demanded.

The 2018 Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing Trends report revealed that Zambia incurred losses estimated at K6.1 billion related to financial crimes like tax evasion, fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, UG president, Muyaywa Kabisa, said it was important that law enforcement agencies quickly respond to the issues raised in the FIC report.

Mr Kabisa said the information raised in the report provided a basis for the law enforcement agencies to undertake investigations.

“The reports that the centre generates is to be transmitted to investigative agencies for investigation,” he said.

“We are calling for the law enforcement agencies to quickly respond to the FIC report and to tell us how far they have gone in working on the issues in that report,” Mr Kabisa said. Those found wanting, he said, should be prosecuted as a way to fight corruption which is detrimental to national development.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabisa has urged President Edgar Lungu to engage the Yellow Card Campaign on the evidence they have on alleged corruption in government.

Mr Kabisa said the rally organised by these campaigners vehemently raised stunning allegations of corruption in the governance system which require proving.

“Unless there is no avenue to channel the evidence or cause the commencement of criminal proceedings against the alleged corrupt individuals, issues of governance is importance and needs to be dealt with,” he said.